1997 FORD AEROSTAR Owners Manual

242 [MC08785(ALL)01/96]1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine
off and let it cool.
[MC08790(ALL)01/96]
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth
around the cap and turn it slowly,
counterclockwise to the first stop.
*
[MC08800(ALL)05/96]
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
*
[MC08810(ALL)05/96]
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has
been released, use the cloth to press the cap
down, turn it counterclockwise, and remove
it.
[MC08815(ALL)01/96]
UseFord Premium Engine Coolant
E2FZ-19549-AA(in Canada, Motorcraft CXC-8-B)
or an equivalent premium engine coolant that
meets Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A. Ford
Premium Engine Coolant is an optimized
formula that will protect all metals and rubber
elastomers used in Ford cooling systems for 4
years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km).
*
[MC08820(ALL)05/96]
Do not use alcohol or methanol antifreeze or any
engine coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol
antifreeze. Do not use supplemental coolant
additives in your vehicle. These additives may
harm your engine cooling system.The use of an
improper coolant may void the warranty of
your vehicle's engine cooling system.
*
[MC08825(ALL)05/96]
Recycled engine coolant
*
[MC08830(ALL)05/96]
Ford Motor Company recommends that Ford
and Lincoln-Mercury dealers use recycled engine
coolant produced by Ford-approved processes.
Not all coolant recycling processes produce
coolant which meets Ford specification
ESE-M97B44-A, and use of such coolant may
harm engine and cooling system components.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

243
*
[MC08835(ALL)05/96]
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your community's
regulations and standards for recycling and
disposing of automotive fluids.
*
[MC08840(ALL)05/96]
Coolant refill capacity
*
[MC08845(ALL)05/96]
To find out how much fluid your vehicle's
cooling system can hold, refer toRefill capacities
in theCapacities and specificationschapter.
*
[MC08850(ALL)05/96]
Have your dealer check the engine cooling
system for leaks if you have to add more than a
quart (liter) of engine coolant per month.
*
[MC08855(ALL)05/96]
Severe winter climate
[MC08860(ALL)01/96]
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than
S34ÊF (S38ÊC), it may be necessary to increase
the coolant concentration above 50%. Refer to
the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle is such that
the coolant will not freeze at the temperature
level in which you drive during winter months.
Never increase the engine coolant concentration
above 60%. Leave a 50/50 mixture of engine
coolant and water in your vehicle year-round in
non-extreme climates.
%*
[MC08865(ALL)01/96]
Checking Hoses
*
[MC08870(ALL)01/96]
Inspect all engine and heater system hoses for
deterioration, leaks and loose clamps before
adding or replacing engine coolant. Make
whatever repairs or replacements that are
necessary using Motorcraft parts or their
equivalents.
%*
[MC08875(ALL)05/96]
Engine Coolant Drain and Flush
[MC08915(ALL)05/96]
Proper procedures for flushing the cooling
system can be found in theService Manual,or
you can see a qualified technician.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

244 [MC08970(ALL)04/96]NOTE: Due to air being trapped in the 4.0L
engine cooling system, it is not
unusual to experiencea4to7ounce
(120 to 210 ml) coolant loss up to 7,500
miles (12,000 km) after initial system
fill.
%
*
[MC09000(ALL)01/96]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[MC09020(ALL)01/96]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
%*
[MC09030(ALL)01/96]
Checking and Adding Power Steering
Fluid
*
[MC09035(ALL)04/96]
1. Start the engine and let it run until the
power steering fluid reaches normal
operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when
the engine coolant temperature gauge in the
instrument cluster is near the center of the
NORMAL operating temperature range.
*
[MC09040(ALL)01/96]
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel back and forth several times. Make
sure that the cap assembly is installed at this
time.
*
[MC09045(ALL)01/96]
3. Turn the engine off.
%*
[MC09050(ALL)01/96]
4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick (which
is highlighted in yellow in your vehicle). The
fluid level should be between the arrows in
the FULL HOT range, which is marked on
the side of the dipstick, opposite the side
marked FULL COLD. Do not add fluid if the
level is within the FULL HOT range.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

245
*
[MC09060(ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0021016-B
Power steering dipstick
[MC09070(ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0095061-A
Power steering reservoir
[MC09100(ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0020531-B
Power steering reservoir
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

246
*
[MC09200(ALL)01/96]
5. If the power steering fluid is low, add fluid
in small amounts, continuously checking the
level, until you reach the FULL HOT range.
Do not overfill.
*
[MC09210(ALL)03/96]
6. When you are finished, put the dipstick back
in and make sure that it fits snugly.
[MC09220(ALL)01/96]
Use only a power steering fluid such as Ford
Power Steering Fluid Motorcraft MERCONH
ATF.
*
[MC09230(ALL)01/96]
If the power steering fluid is low, do not drive
your vehicle for a long period of time before
adding fluid. This can damage the power
steering pump.
*
[MC09240(ALL)03/96]
If you check the power steering fluid when it is
cold, make sure that the fluid reaches the FULL
COLD range on the dipstick. The reading will
only be accurate if the fluid temperature is
approximately 50 to85ÊF (10 to 30ÊC).
*
[MC09250(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: Do not turn the steering wheel of your
vehicle with the engine off. It could
force power steering fluid out from the
reservoir cap or in extreme cases, it
could unseat the cap.
%
*
[MC10000(ALL)01/96]
Automatic Transmission Fluid
*
[MC10100(ALL)05/96]
Under normal driving conditions automatic
transmission fluid should be changed every
30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 21,000 miles
(34,000 km) if under severe duty conditions.
However, if the transmission is not working
properly, for instance, the transmission may slip
or shift slowly, or you may notice some sign of
fluid leakage, the fluid level should be checked.
*
[MC10110(ALL)01/96]
It is preferable to check the transmission fluid
level at normal operating temperature, after
approximately 20 miles (30 km) of driving.
However, if necessary, you can check the fluid
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

247
level without having to drive 20 miles to obtain
a normal operating temperature if outside
temperatures are above50ÊF (10ÊC).
*
[MC10120(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an
extended period at high speeds or in
city traffic during hot weather, or
pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to
allow the fluid to cool before checking.
%*
[MC10130(ALL)01/96]
Checking the Automatic Transmission
Fluid
[MC10140(ALL)05/96]
With the vehicle on a level surface, start the
engine and move the gearshift lever through all
of the gear ranges allowing sufficiant time for
each position to engage. Securely latch the
gearshift lever in the P (Park) position, fully set
the parking brake and leave the engine running.
*
[MC10150(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Your vehicle should not be driven if the
fluid level is below the bottom hole on
the dipstick and outside temperatures are
above50ÊF (10ÊC).
[MC10160(ALL)01/96]
Wipe off the dipstick cap (located toward the
passenger's side of the engine), pull the dipstick
out and wipe the indicator end clean. Put the
dipstick back into the filler tube and make sure
it is fully seated. Pull the dipstick out and read
the fluid level.
*
[MC10170(ALL)01/96]
When checking fluid at normal operating
temperature, the fluid level should be within the
crosshatched area on the dipstick. When the
vehicle has not been driven, and outside
temperature is above50ÊF (10ÊC), thefluid level
should be between the holes on the dipstick.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

248 %
*
[MC10180(ALL)01/96]
Adding Automatic Transmission Fluid
*
[MC10190(ALL)01/96]
The fluid type is stamped on the dipstick.
Before adding any fluid, be sure that the
correct type will be used.
*
[MC10200(ALL)01/96]
Add fluid in 1/2 pint (.25L) increments through
the filler tube to bring the level to the correct
area on the dipstick. If an overfill occurs, excess
fluid should be removed by a qualified
technician.
%*
[MC10220(ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your community's standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out
about recycling automotive fluids.
[MC10230(ALL)04/96]
quarter page art:0020372-E
Automatic transmission dipstick
%*
[MC10500(ALL)01/96]
Driveline Universal Joint and Slip
Yoke
*
[MC10520(ALL)03/96]
The universal joints that come standard with
your vehicle do not require lubrication. If your
original equipment universal joints are replaced
with universal joints equipped with grease
fittings, lubrication will be necessary at the
intervals shown in theMaintenance Schedule
booklet.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996

249
%*
[MC15000(ALL)01/96]
Battery
*
[MC15010(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle may have a Motorcraft
maintenance-free battery. The Motorcraft
maintenance-free battery does not require
additional water during its life of service. The
vents are part of the cover and cannot be
removed. For longer, trouble-free operation, keep
the top of the battery clean and dry. Also, make
certain the battery cables are tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
*
[MC15020(ALL)01/96]
If you see any corrosion on the battery cables or
terminals, remove the cables from the terminal
and clean them both with a wire brush. You can
neutralize the acid with a solution of baking
soda and water. Reinstall the cables when you
are done cleaning them, and apply a small
quantity of grease to the top of each battery
terminal to help prevent corrosion.
*
[MC15030(ALL)01/96]
Battery replacement
*
[MC15040(ALL)01/96]
If your original equipment battery requires
replacement (under warranty), it may in some
cases be replaced by a Motorcraft
low-maintenance battery. The low-maintenance
battery has removable vent caps for checking the
electrolyte level and for adding water, if needed.
*
[MC15045(ALL)01/96]
Check your battery's electrolyte level, at least
every 12 months or 12,000 miles (20,000 km), in
temperatures up to90ÊF (32ÊC) andmore often
in temperatures above90ÊF (32ÊC).Keep the
electrolyte in each cell up to the ªlevelº
indicator. Do not overfill the battery cell.
*
[MC15050(ALL)01/96]
If the electrolyte level in your battery gets low,
you can add plain tap water to the battery, as
long as you don't use hard water, or water with
a high mineral or alkali content. If possible,
however, try to only fill the battery cell with
distilled water. If the battery needs water often,
have the charging system checked.
File:11cpmca.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:30:56 1996